HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) - U.S. Rep. John Delaney is asking the National Park Service to abandon its proposal to impose access fees along the entire, 185-mile length of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
The Maryland Democrat sent the letter Tuesday to agency Director Jon Jarvis. Delaney says the proposed fees would be a burden on his constituents. He says the park's financial challenges should be addressed through the budget and appropriations process.
The park currently charges entrance fees only at Great Falls Tavern in Potomac.
The park service is taking public comment through Feb. 22 on a proposal to collect fees at virtually all access points from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, starting at $3 for a seven-day pass.
The Washington County Commissions also took a position Tuesday against the plan.